Liverpool have been handed a major injury concern ahead of their title showdown with Manchester City on April 10th as it has emerged that full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is in a race against time to be fit for the game.
The English defender was called up to Gareth Southgate’s squad for the games against Switzerland and the Ivory Coast, but pulled out after picking up a hamstring injury in his side’s 2-0 win against Arsenal before the international break.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MARCH 03: Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool looks despondent after the Premier League match between Everton FC and Liverpool FC at Goodison Park on March 03, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
As a result, The Athletic report that ‘The England right-back is expected to miss Saturday’s meeting with Watford at Anfield and next Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg away to Benfica’.
Worse still, they claim that ‘The game with Pep Guardiola’s side at the Etihad on April 10 is viewed as a possible comeback date for the 23-year-old’, but that ‘the trip to City would still represent a quick return to action given the nature of the problem.’
Klopp is unlikely to risk arguably his most creative player even for such a massive clash, with wider concerns including the Champions League and FA Cup runs to consider beyond just catching the current Champions in the Premier League race.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s rehab progressing well. Chance he could be fit for crunch clash at the Etihad on April 10 – but that would be a quick return. Important hurdles still to clear. (Includes an update on Naby Keita too). #LFC https://t.co/HDbCkYXfmS
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) March 29, 2022
Gomez to deputise
The injury means that Joe Gomez will be called into action, and is in line to make just his second start of the Premier League season when the campaign restarts following the international break.
Given the importance of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Liverpool, and Gomez’s natural disposition as a centre-back rather than full-back, it will be interesting to see how Klopp’s side fare without their star creator.
